Alex Ferguson hints at director role with Manchester United once he steps down as manager

Alex Ferguson will "probably" become a Manchester United director when he steps down as the club's manager.

The 71-year-old Scot, who took up the reins at Old Trafford in 1986, had planned to retire in 2002, but had a change of heart and has not looked back since.

"There's no getting rid of me. I will probably become a director," said Ferguson, who has guided the Red Devils to a host of titles including 12 Premier League crowns, two Champions League trophies and five FA Cups.

Speaking about his retirement day in an interview with twentyfour7 Football magazine, Ferguson said: "Nobody knows. Neither do I. It won't be a doctor that tells me to quit!"

On the topic of appointing his successor, he said: "They'll ask me. But I think it'll be a club decision, not mine."